The Courtyarrrd Chicago Celebrates 'Talk Like A Pirate' Day

We'd feel silly slinging buccaneer slang on international Talk Like A Pirate Day on Sept. 19. And it's not because we don't think piratese is a valid international language. It's because we we just can't get that gravelly "Arrrggg" down. But we can muster an "aye" for the Courtyard Chicago Downtown/River North's pirate package.

Mateys and lasses who sign up for the pirate package will get one night's stay at the Courtyard and two VIP tickets to the Field Museum's "The Real Pirates: The Untold Story of The Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship" exhibit. The VIP status entitles you to skip the line at the museum and get basic admission as well as entry into "The Real Pirates."

Unlike regular tickets to the exhibit, the VIP passes don't have time or date assignments. The museum display showcases 200 artifacts recovered from the Whydah, the first fully authenticated pirate ship to be discovered in U.S. waters. Admission to the special exhibit ordinarily costs $23 on top of the museum's regular $15 entry fee.

The hotel also touts that the pirate package includes complimentary use of the health club and indoor pool, but it's not like finding treasure since both are free to all guests. In addition, the hotel says it will celebrate "Talk Like A Pirate Day" with some to-be-announced special festivities.

The Courtyard will offer the pirate package through the closing of the show on Oct. 25. To snag the $179 to $299 rate, book online or by calling (312) 329-2500. A room with a king-sized bed usually runs for $191.20. But beware if you bring your car; the hotel charges $45 a night for valet parking—shiver me timbers, that is modern-day piracy.